Burdick Legion members make rounds of ceremonies
The American flag lay still against its pole as a large group of people of all ages gathered at Burdick's Hebron Lutheran Church cemetery on a bright, sunny Monday morning to honor the dead.
At least 12 members of the active Colberg/Smith American Legion Post #147 of Burdick took part in the ceremony, the final one of seven in the area. Paul Anderson and Earl Peterson were flag bearers, guarded by Rollin and Roger Peterson. Lee Remy, Charley Gutsch, and Bruce Peterson provided the gun salute.
Veteran Robert Novak read the names of those who died in war and taps was played by Bud Peterson and Eric Peterson. Tom Nelson sang a solo.
Janis Peterson related the background of the poem, "Flanders Field." She said American soldiers killed during World War I were buried on location at Flanders Field and, later, poppies sprang up on grave sites.
The program concluded with a brief talk by Pastor John Gerry and the singing of "America, the Beautiful."
Other cemeteries visited by the Burdick veterans were Diamond Springs, Wilsey, Delavan, Mitchell Valley, Mission Valley, and Burdick United Methodist.
